Q2. What is the difference between
a dependency and an addiction? - Drug Addiction FAQs

A2. Some people may assume that
they are one and the same, but there are differences between the two
states.

People can become dependent upon a
substance, for example prescription drugs which often develops over
a long period of time.

Their body has developed a tolerance to the drug and a larger dose is needed to
achieve the same effect.

However, they are taking these drugs
for a legitimate reason, e.g. pain relief rather than illegally. These
are not usually taken for reasons of getting a ‘rush’ or ‘high’;
rather they are taken to relieve a particular condition.

It may be the case that they don’t
experience any physical or psychological effects when they stop taking
these drugs.

But with an addiction, the person has
developed a physical and psychological need for a substance and experiences
cravings or withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug. They take
a drug or alcohol as a form of escapism or to deal with certain problems
in their lives, e.g. stress.

It could be defined as the difference
between ‘liking’ a drug and ‘wanting’ a drug.